Franklin Theatre

        Our Story

        Our enduring romance with the Franklin Theatre began in the summer of 1937 when the marquee first illuminated Main Street, invited Middle Tennesseans to buy a ticket – and laugh, cry and dream. Inside the theater walls, moviegoers enjoyed fresh popcorn, afternoon matinees and first kisses. They walked away with a lifetime of memories.

        Over the next 70 years, the world changed a lot – but the Franklin Theatre stood as a testament to a simpler way of life. But time eventually took its toll on the venerable movie house, and the doors closed in 2007 under the pressing of rising rents and the trend toward mega-theaters.

        Enter the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. Rather than lose the heart of Main Street, the nonprofit preservation group stepped in to buy and rehabilitate the historic landmark. After three years of work – and an investment of more than $8 million – the historic Franklin Theatre re-emerged better than ever.

        The new Franklin Theatre continues the cherished tradition of showing movies, but also adds a new dimension to Main Street – live music. With a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and undeniable charm, the Franklin Theatre is destined to be an entertainment and cultural icon for years to come.

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        Venue Details
        Working Hours
        • Weekdays
          12:00 - 5:00
        • Saturday
          09:00 - 23:59
        • Sunday
          09:00 - 23:59
        Events of the Venue
        You might also love these events.
        Act Too Players Presents: Into the Woods
        January 26, 2020
        The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.
        Act Too Players Presents: Into the Woods
        January 26, 2020
        The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.
        Act Too Players Presents: Into the Woods
        January 26, 2020
        The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.
        Act Too Players Presents: Into the Woods
        January 26, 2020
        The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.
        Gateway Chamber Orchestra Presents: Gran Partita
        January 27, 2020
        The GCO tugs at heart strings in this concert featuring GCO cellist, Meghan Berindean. Works from Felix Mendelssohn and Jacques Ibert lead up to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s powerful Gran Partita serenade, a ‘signature’ work for the GCO featured on our debut recording and received national media praise.
        The Farewell (PG)
        January 28, 2020
        In this funny, uplifting tale based on an actual lie, Chinese-born, U.S.-raised Billi (Awkwafina) reluctantly returns to Changchun to find that, although the whole family knows their beloved matriarch, Nai-Nai, has been given mere weeks to live, everyone has decided not to tell Nai Nai herself. To assure her happiness, they gather under the joyful guise of an expedited wedding, uniting family members scattered among new homes abroad. As Billi navigates a minefield of family expectations and proprieties, she finds there’s a lot to celebrate: a chance to rediscover the country she left as a child, her grandmother’s wondrous spirit, and the ties that keep on binding even when so much goes unspoken.
        The Farewell (PG)
        January 29, 2020
        In this funny, uplifting tale based on an actual lie, Chinese-born, U.S.-raised Billi (Awkwafina) reluctantly returns to Changchun to find that, although the whole family knows their beloved matriarch, Nai-Nai, has been given mere weeks to live, everyone has decided not to tell Nai Nai herself. To assure her happiness, they gather under the joyful guise of an expedited wedding, uniting family members scattered among new homes abroad. As Billi navigates a minefield of family expectations and proprieties, she finds there’s a lot to celebrate: a chance to rediscover the country she left as a child, her grandmother’s wondrous spirit, and the ties that keep on binding even when so much goes unspoken.
        Lipscomb Elementary School Presents: Boots & Bears Songwriters’ Night
        January 30, 2020
        Join Lipscomb Elementary for their annual Boots & Bears Songwriters' Night. Your ticket purchase directly supports student education at Lipscomb Elementary. The funds supply teachers with essential tools and resources to make their classrooms a rich, learning environment.
        FT Live: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder – SOLD OUT!
        January 31, 2020
        Fifteentime GRAMMY® Awardwinner Ricky Skaggs' career is easily among the most significant in recent country music history. If Skaggs' burgeoning trophy case full of awards wasn't already enough evidence of that fact, consider that legendary guitarist Chet Atkins once credited Skaggs with "singlehandedly saving country music." His life's path has taken him to various musical genres, from where it all began in bluegrass music, to striking out on new musical journeys, while still leaving his musical roots intact.
        Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project (2019)
        February 1, 2020
        Marion Stokes was secretly recording American television twenty-four hours a day for thirty years. It started in 1979 with the Iranian Hostage Crisis at the dawn of the twenty-four hour news cycle. It ended on December 14, 2012 while the Sandy Hook massacre played on television as Marion passed away. In between, Marion recorded on 70,000 VHS tapes, capturing revolutions, lies, wars, triumphs, catastrophes, bloopers, talk shows, and commercials that tell us who we were, and show how television shaped the world of today.
        Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project (2019)
        February 1, 2020
        Marion Stokes was secretly recording American television twenty-four hours a day for thirty years. It started in 1979 with the Iranian Hostage Crisis at the dawn of the twenty-four hour news cycle. It ended on December 14, 2012 while the Sandy Hook massacre played on television as Marion passed away. In between, Marion recorded on 70,000 VHS tapes, capturing revolutions, lies, wars, triumphs, catastrophes, bloopers, talk shows, and commercials that tell us who we were, and show how television shaped the world of today.
        FT Live: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder – SOLD OUT!
        February 1, 2020
        Fifteentime GRAMMY® Awardwinner Ricky Skaggs' career is easily among the most significant in recent country music history. If Skaggs' burgeoning trophy case full of awards wasn't already enough evidence of that fact, consider that legendary guitarist Chet Atkins once credited Skaggs with "singlehandedly saving country music." His life's path has taken him to various musical genres, from where it all began in bluegrass music, to striking out on new musical journeys, while still leaving his musical roots intact.
        Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project (2019)
        February 2, 2020
        Marion Stokes was secretly recording American television twenty-four hours a day for thirty years. It started in 1979 with the Iranian Hostage Crisis at the dawn of the twenty-four hour news cycle. It ended on December 14, 2012 while the Sandy Hook massacre played on television as Marion passed away. In between, Marion recorded on 70,000 VHS tapes, capturing revolutions, lies, wars, triumphs, catastrophes, bloopers, talk shows, and commercials that tell us who we were, and show how television shaped the world of today.
        The Big Game
        February 2, 2020
        Come watch the BIGGEST GAME on the BIGGEST SCREEN in downtown Franklin!
        Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project (2019)
        February 3, 2020
        Marion Stokes was secretly recording American television twenty-four hours a day for thirty years. It started in 1979 with the Iranian Hostage Crisis at the dawn of the twenty-four hour news cycle. It ended on December 14, 2012 while the Sandy Hook massacre played on television as Marion passed away. In between, Marion recorded on 70,000 VHS tapes, capturing revolutions, lies, wars, triumphs, catastrophes, bloopers, talk shows, and commercials that tell us who we were, and show how television shaped the world of today.
        Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project (2019)
        February 4, 2020
        Marion Stokes was secretly recording American television twenty-four hours a day for thirty years. It started in 1979 with the Iranian Hostage Crisis at the dawn of the twenty-four hour news cycle. It ended on December 14, 2012 while the Sandy Hook massacre played on television as Marion passed away. In between, Marion recorded on 70,000 VHS tapes, capturing revolutions, lies, wars, triumphs, catastrophes, bloopers, talk shows, and commercials that tell us who we were, and show how television shaped the world of today.
        Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project (2019)
        February 5, 2020
        Marion Stokes was secretly recording American television twenty-four hours a day for thirty years. It started in 1979 with the Iranian Hostage Crisis at the dawn of the twenty-four hour news cycle. It ended on December 14, 2012 while the Sandy Hook massacre played on television as Marion passed away. In between, Marion recorded on 70,000 VHS tapes, capturing revolutions, lies, wars, triumphs, catastrophes, bloopers, talk shows, and commercials that tell us who we were, and show how television shaped the world of today.
        Parasite (R)
        February 7, 2020
        Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide 'indispensable' luxury services while the Parks give the Kims a way out of their shabby circumstances. But this new ecosystem is fragile, and soon enough greed and class prejudice threaten to upend the Kims' newfound comfort.
        The Goonies (PG)
        February 8, 2020
        Old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way.
        The Goonies (PG)
        February 8, 2020
        Old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way.
        Parasite (R)
        February 8, 2020
        Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide 'indispensable' luxury services while the Parks give the Kims a way out of their shabby circumstances. But this new ecosystem is fragile, and soon enough greed and class prejudice threaten to upend the Kims' newfound comfort.
        Parasite (R)
        February 8, 2020
        Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide 'indispensable' luxury services while the Parks give the Kims a way out of their shabby circumstances. But this new ecosystem is fragile, and soon enough greed and class prejudice threaten to upend the Kims' newfound comfort.
        The Goonies (PG)
        February 9, 2020
        Old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way.
        Parasite (R)
        February 9, 2020
        Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide 'indispensable' luxury services while the Parks give the Kims a way out of their shabby circumstances. But this new ecosystem is fragile, and soon enough greed and class prejudice threaten to upend the Kims' newfound comfort.
        Parasite (R)
        February 9, 2020
        Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide 'indispensable' luxury services while the Parks give the Kims a way out of their shabby circumstances. But this new ecosystem is fragile, and soon enough greed and class prejudice threaten to upend the Kims' newfound comfort.
        Parasite (R)
        February 10, 2020
        Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide 'indispensable' luxury services while the Parks give the Kims a way out of their shabby circumstances. But this new ecosystem is fragile, and soon enough greed and class prejudice threaten to upend the Kims' newfound comfort.
        Parasite (R)
        February 11, 2020
        Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide 'indispensable' luxury services while the Parks give the Kims a way out of their shabby circumstances. But this new ecosystem is fragile, and soon enough greed and class prejudice threaten to upend the Kims' newfound comfort.
        Parasite (R)
        February 12, 2020
        Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide 'indispensable' luxury services while the Parks give the Kims a way out of their shabby circumstances. But this new ecosystem is fragile, and soon enough greed and class prejudice threaten to upend the Kims' newfound comfort.
        BOFT Presents: The Battle of Franklin & The American Experiment
        February 13, 2020
        The Battle of Franklin Trust presents a new documentary about America’s history and Battle of Franklin, which occurred on Nov. 30, 1864.
        FT Live: Suzy Bogguss
        February 14, 2020
        Grammy award-winning and Platinum selling artist Suzy Bogguss is one to chase the muse wherever it may lead. She has covered Country, Swing, Jazz, Folk, Americana and Roots music with style and grace. The live performance - which includes her hits and choice material from her critically acclaimed albums - has been lauded by fans, critics and buyers as "a show not to miss!” Suzy's appeal has never wavered and her fan base continues to grow with constant touring around the globe.
        The Goonies (PG)
        February 15, 2020
        Old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way.
        The Goonies (PG)
        February 15, 2020
        Old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way.
        FT Live: The Doyle & Debbie Show
        February 21, 2020
        The Doyle and Debbie Show is sublime parody, simultaneously lampooning and idolizing country music's tradition of iconic duos and their subsequent battle of the sexes. Bruce Arntson and Jenny Littleton wield the vocals of vintage country stars and the acting chops of Broadway veterans, taking audiences on a freewheeling joyride through a wickedly funny script and slew of equally hilarious original songs. Over the past eight years, Doyle and Debbie have developed a rabid cult following in Nashville, many of whom have seen the show over a dozen times-everyone from theater-going professionals to college students who wouldn't be caught dead in a theater or a country bar.
        FT Live: Mike Super – Magic & Illusion
        February 22, 2020
        If you think you’ve seen Mike Super before, THINK AGAIN! Mike continually delivers new magic experiences pushing the art to places it’s never been pushed!
        FT Live: Mike Super – Magic & Illusion
        February 22, 2020
        If you think you’ve seen Mike Super before, THINK AGAIN! Mike continually delivers new magic experiences pushing the art to places it’s never been pushed!
        FT Live: An Evening With George Winston – SOLD OUT!
        February 27, 2020
        Celebrated pianist George Winston released his 15th solo piano album, Restless Wind, via Dancing Cat Records/RCA Records on May 3, 2019. George Winston is undeniably a household name. He’s inspired fans and musicians alike with his singular solo acoustic piano songs for more than 40 years while selling 15 million albums. A tireless road warrior playing nearly 100 concerts annually, live performance for Winston is akin to breathing. Winston’s music is evocative, offering us all a chance to take a step back from our perpetually busy lives and let our minds adventurously wander. Restless Wind is a portrayal of Winston’s place in a chaotic world - his compositions extend solace with an idiosyncratic grace.
        5th Annual Grassroots of Grassland presented by Fifth Third Private Bank
        February 28, 2020
        Our 5th Annual open to the public Grassroots of Grassland. Featuring Barrett Baber, Sarah Buxton, Brett Jones and Jeffrey Steele!
        FT Live: Leahy
        February 29, 2020
        Over the course of their notable career, Canadian group Leahy has secured a place as one of the country’s most highly regarded progressive folk-roots bands. Their emergence on the Canadian music scene in the late 1990’s with their chart-topping instrumental single “Call to Dance”, introduced audiences to a new way of accessing a uniquely Canadian music genre.
        The “Leahy sound” - a combination of strong stride piano, unique bass guitar and drumming styles along with driving rhythm guitar - was the foundation from which wildly talented fiddle led instrumentals and vocals were launched to mainstream music listeners. Leahy would go on to win three Juno awards and receive countless accolades for their dynamic and powerful performances.
        FT Live: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
        March 4, 2020
        April, 2020, marks the 27th anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s remarkable arrival onto the music scene. Since its formation in the early nineties in Ventura, California, the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of over 2 million albums to date. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, cofounded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture.
        FT Live: James Gregory – Crock Pots and Chicken Legs Tour – SOLD OUT!
        March 7, 2020
        James Gregory is back with his “Crock Pots and Chicken Legs Tour.
        The Davisson Family Presents: Jeffrey Steele & Friends – SOLD OUT!
        March 9, 2020
        Join us for an evening to remember. The Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund presents the 13th Annual Jeffrey Steele & Friends, an intimate evening hosted by Storme Warren with special guest performances by: Jeffrey Steele, Phil Vassar, Bridgette Tatum, Alissa Griffith, Stephen Wilson Jr., John Rich, Leigh Nash, Colt Ford, Billy Ray Cyrus, KASL, and more to be announced!
        FT Live: Farewell Angelina
        March 13, 2020
        Named after a haunting Bob Dylan song, Farewell Angelina is an all-female country group with four powerhouse vocalists, dynamic songwriters and accomplished multi-instrumentalists. Their stellar blend of heart-stopping harmonies over blazing double violins and guitars has earned soaring praise across the board. Roughstock calls them a "Superstar Act... with Killer Songs." Rolling Stone says, "Wickedly smart songwriting delivered with a healthy dash of sass... deft playing... into one sonic knockout punch."
        FT Live: An Intimate Night of Songs & Stories with Sandi Patty
        March 15, 2020
        As one of the most highly acclaimed performers of our time with five Grammy® awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, five gold records, and eleven million units sold, Sandi Patty is simply known as The Voice.
        Gateway Chamber Orchestra Presents: America’s Haydn Festival
        April 3, 2020
        The final Masterworks concert honors the late Franz Joseph Haydn at our 2nd Annual Haydn Festival. The multi-day event includes string quartet, full orchestra and choir performances of works from the famed composer.
        FT Live: Charles Esten
        April 4, 2020
        Best known for his role as Deacon Claybourne in the global hit show Nashville, singer/songwriter and actor Charles Esten has performed hundreds of live concerts, including multiple performances at CMA Fest, The Grand Ole Opry (where he recently performed his 130th performance), The Bluebird Café, London’s O2 Arena, Stagecoach, and Australia’s CMC.  In October he was thrilled to headline at the Royal Albert Hall, closing out a UK tour during Country Music Week.  In March, he will return to Europe to perform in Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Glasgow, and Dublin as one of the main stage acts at Europe’s biggest country music festival: Country To Country 2020.
        FT Live: Charles Esten
        April 5, 2020
        Best known for his role as Deacon Claybourne in the global hit show Nashville, singer/songwriter and actor Charles Esten has performed hundreds of live concerts, including multiple performances at CMA Fest, The Grand Ole Opry (where he recently performed his 130th performance), The Bluebird Café, London’s O2 Arena, Stagecoach, and Australia’s CMC.  In October he was thrilled to headline at the Royal Albert Hall, closing out a UK tour during Country Music Week.  In March, he will return to Europe to perform in Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Glasgow, and Dublin as one of the main stage acts at Europe’s biggest country music festival: Country To Country 2020.
        Gateway Chamber Orchestra Presents: America’s Haydn Festival
        April 6, 2020
        The final Masterworks concert honors the late Franz Joseph Haydn at our 2nd Annual Haydn Festival. The multi-day event includes string quartet, full orchestra and choir performances of works from the famed composer.
        FT Live: James Hunter Six
        April 8, 2020
        NEW ALBUM OUT MARCH 6, 2020.
        Streamline Event Agency Presents: An Evening of Music with Sara Evans, Cherie Oakley, and JP Williams
        April 14, 2020
        Join us for a night of music featuring Sarah Evans, Cherie Oakley, and JP Williams benefiting Holy Trinity Montessori in the heart of downtown Franklin, TN at the historic Franklin Theatre. Tickets are on sale now!
        FT Live: Jeff Allen
        April 18, 2020
        Jeff Allen’s rapid-fire humor, which centers on marriage and family, is a hit with all ages. A live comedy favorite, Jeff has appeared on Showtime, Comedy Central, VH1 and more. He starred in the critically acclaimed film, Apostles of Comedy, the syndicated comedy series, Bananas, his own one-hour comedy special, Happy Wife, Happy Life and the Warner Bros. comedy film, Thou Shalt Laugh. Jeff’s Dry Bar Comedy videos went viral earlier this year, introducing him to tens of millions of new fans worldwide. At times both gut-wrenching and hilarious, Jeff’s one-man show, The America I Grew Up In, offers a unique view into his crazy world.

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